Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has signalled a possible easing of tensions within the opposition after meeting Party of National Unity (PNU) leader Peter Munya in Meru.
The two leaders met on Saturday evening during the “Twine Cietu” festival, where they were photographed shaking hands in what could be interpreted as a gesture of reconciliation following days of political tensions.
“It was my pleasure catching up with my brother Peter Munya,” Gachagua wrote on X after the meeting.
Gachagua’s post was accompanied by a photograph of him and Munya shaking hands, fuelling speculation that the disagreements that had emerged within the United Opposition could be cooling.
The meeting comes amid growing tensions within the opposition camp ahead of the 2027 General Election, with political leaders increasingly positioning themselves and their parties for a major contest against President William Ruto’s Kenya Kwanza administration.
At the centre of some of the disagreements has been Gachagua and his DCP, which is seeking to establish itself as a dominant political vehicle in the Mount Kenya region.
The former Deputy President has, however, urged opposition leaders to avoid public confrontations and disagreements that could undermine their efforts to build a united political movement ahead of the elections.
Gachagua has called for a truce among rival opposition factions, arguing that leaders should focus on strengthening their grassroots networks and mobilising voters rather than engaging in public disputes.
His meeting with Munya in Meru came against that backdrop, with the public display of cordiality offering a possible indication that the two leaders are willing to put their differences aside.
Munya, a former Cabinet Secretary and prominent political figure from the region, has remained an important player in Mt Kenya politics.
Gachagua also used his visit to Meru to celebrate the region’s cultural heritage and pay tribute to freedom fighters associated with the Mau Mau struggle.
“What a great evening with my brothers and sisters from Meru during the ‘Twine Cietu’ festival. This served me with great memories of my late mother’s land,” he said.
The former Deputy President said cultural celebrations were important in preserving the identity and history of communities.
“Celebrating our culture and heritage reminds us of who we are, our roots, and our heritage,” he said.
Gachagua also paid homage to Mau Mau freedom fighters Field Marshal Mwariama, who was born in Muthara, Tigania East; Field Marshal Baimungi, also known as M’Marete wa M’Ikandi, who was born in Katheri, Imenti Central; General Ruku, also known as M’Ikiara wa Nyonta, of Katheri, Imenti Central; and General Nkobia, also identified as Kabika, the wife of Mwariama.
He congratulated Kamanu Ntotuamwari for organising the cultural extravaganza, which he said had brought together Meru people to celebrate their heritage.
“Congratulations to Kamanu Ntotuamwari for his quest to organize this rich extravaganza in our towns and cities. It feels good to feel at home away from home,” Gachagua said.
The encounter between Gachagua and Munya is likely to add to ongoing efforts to rebuild cohesion within the opposition as parties and leaders prepare for the 2027 elections.
